James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake is enriched by such large resources of invention and allusion that its total effect is infinite variety. One facet of these resources is the popular human ballads, both ancient and modern. “The Ballad of Persse O’Railly in Finnegans Wake” (FW 44.24-47.32) is one of the very important ballads in Joyce’s text, which identifies HC Earwicker with Humpty Dumpty and his fall. Composed and sung by Hosty, the ballad mocks Earwicker and charges him with public crimes. In selecting the name of ballad-maker, Hosty, the writer also invokes the presence of HCE by punning on the French word for earwig, perce-oraille. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the quality and content of Earwicker’s crime throughout the ballad. The ballad forms the germ of a rumor that the Cad quickly begins to spread. Different versions of his crime circulate until one is uttered by Treacle Tom in his sleep. Peter Cloran (Shaun figure), Mildew Lisa (Issy figure), and Hosty (Shem figure) overhear him, and finally Hosty is inspired to compose this ballad. A third thunderclap is heard immediately preceeding the ballad. The main aim of the ballad is to introduce its major themes and concerns such as Earwicker’s fall, his crime in Phoenix Park, his sin and guilt by way of his scatological, sexual, voyeuristic inclination, and consequently the promise of his resurrection, etc.